As if it weren’t hard enough to find replacement running backs for those getting injured lately, week 9 includes bye weeks for AP, MJD, D-Will and Jonathan Stewart. I know the last two named are not that high on people’s list, but they are better options than what you can find on the waiver wire right now. So here’s my top 20 list for the running backs heading into action in week 9!

Running Backs

Frank Gore @ WAS (Frank Gore has been on a tear and the 49ers are rolling in the win column as well. The same can’t be said for the Redskins who look like a semi-pro team. Chalk about another 100 yard game and two scores for Frank)

Matt Forte @ PHI (Eagles have been playing better on defense lately, but Forte is a rushing and receiving threat who will give headaches to Andy Reid Monday Night)

LeSean McCoy vs. CHI (On the other side of the ball, we have an identical guy to Forte. Bears are tough against the run, but have been beaten up in the past…aka Javhed Best)

LeGarrette Blount @ NO (He’s the only running back there and Saints don’t really have a good rush defense)

Fred Jackson vs. NYJ (Jets have been beaten in the run game this season and Jackson has been the only consistent guy on offense for the Bills this season)

Steven Jackson @ ARI (Jackson is on fire as of late, and although Arizona does have a pretty good rush defense, Jackson has done good against other opponents in the top 10 in rush defense)

Darren McFadden/Michael Bush vs. Denver (Oakland should win this game and have control throughout especially if Tebow plays like last week. Not sure if McFadden plays, but if he does, he sits at #9. If he doesn’t, Bush snuggles slowly into the top 10, but not ahead of Ray Rice)

Ray Rice @ PIT ( Ray Rice lit it up with 3 touchdowns last week. Pitt is vulnerable against the run and Rice should get a couple tries on the goal line again this week)

Beanie Wells vs. STL (If he stays healthy in this game and doesn’t get injured, he is a top 10 play. IF is the keyword)

Ahmad Bradshaw @ NE (I think he plays this week, and Jacobs is a complete Dud. If Bradshaw plays, he looks to carry the ball at least 20 times)

Mike Tolbert vs. GB (Looks like he will be the only healthy running back there and he has done well as the primary back in the past)

Shonne Greene @ BUF (Buffalo is very beatable in the trenches, so if Greene brings his A game, I can see him getting over 100 yards rushing)

Darren Sproles vs. TB (I don’t know if a lot of fantasy players know this, but Sproles is 2nd in the league in receptions with 51 behind Welker with 57. Even if Sproles can’t get it done running the ball, he figures to catch 5-7 balls. Oh ya, he also returns)

De Marco Murray vs. SEA (Playing at home against the Seahawks who have a stellar rush defense. Seattle is known though to play worst on the road, so Murray can have a productive game)

Cedric Benson @ TEN (Will get most of the carries again, but he was out of football for a week)

BenJarvus Green-Ellis vs. NYG (I would rank him higher, but now Kevin Faulk is back in the mix and you never know how they decide to run the ball. Reggie Bush did crack 100 yards vs the Giants last week though. So if Green-Ellis sees 15-20 touches, he will have a good game)

Any comments or questions please write them below or on my twitter @Themisk22

About the AuthorSubscribe to author's RSS feed
Written by Themis Katris
My name is Themis Katris and I live in Chicago. I am a die hard Bulls and Bears fan and an avid fantasy football player. I graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Criminal Justice and Political Science. I am currently in law school at John Marshall in Chicago. In my spare time I watch ESPN or the NFL network, play basketball, workout and hangout with friends.
Any questions, comments or opinions on Fantasy Football, please do not hesitate to shoot them my way.